The Storm's Journey

The Storm’s Journey

By: Kay Edward

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Kay Edwards

All Rights Reserved

About the Author

Kay Edwards is an easy-going wife and mother. Getting her start with the book A Prelude to a Dance, Kay put into words something that touched her personally. Sexual abuse is not an easy topic to talk about. The book she wrote was a way for her to put into words what she was feeling so she could heal.  She wanted to give a voice to those that had the same past she did. Since its original release, Kay has heard from countless people around the world that have broken their silence of past sexual abuse. Kay speaks regularly with her readers in Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, as well as other areas of the globe. Born in central PA, Kay grew up along the river mentioned in the name of her first series. She has many fond memories along the Susquehanna. Kay hopes that her readers will find that, with Christ, all things are possible, even the forgiveness of what many deem unforgivable. She welcomes you to join her now as we read about two of her beloved characters from her first book. Join Toby and Tiffany as they travel the storm’s journey and find healing from dark secrets of their pasts.

Dedications and Recognitions

This book is dedicated to the unheard voices of child abuse.

To my parents who took it upon themselves to foster the children of abuse.

To my foster brother, John, and his wife Diangela thanks for staying a part of my life. I know how much you love it when I say I love you, brother!

Always to my family my husband Leron, my children Tyler, Samantha, Joseph, and Maggie thanks for being my inspirations daily.

To Kelly Kiggins Lund thanks for taking the time to encourage me.

To Wendy thanks for encouraging me to stick to my beliefs.

To Dana Anderson thank you for being the prayer warrior you’re on behalf of our youth.

Prelude

Tiffany walked outside the science building. It was a Saturday, but she’d wanted to get a lab done before it was due. Her friend Helen had gotten married the night before, and it had been an unquestionably beautiful wedding. She smiled as she thought about how happy Helen had looked with her new husband. She closed her eyes and breathed in the cool air as she felt the sunlight on her face. What a beautiful day. She whispered.

Turning she started to walk back to her dorm room. She’d almost cleared the side of the building when a foul-smelling hand covered her face. She started to kick as she felt herself being dragged toward a wooded area behind the building. Tears stung her eyes as she heard the man hiss in her ear. You and I are going to have a little chat. When I’m done with you, you’ll tell Helen everything I say.

Tiffany tried to stay calm. When the man's grip loosened, she elbowed him sharply and took off running. She heard him catching up to her. Tiffany yelped as the man tripped her. When he pulled her hair back and punched her face, she cried out in pain. Please… she tried to beg as she looked into his hate filled eyes.

The man shoved her back on the ground and started kicking her as he screamed. You’ll tell her she belongs to me! I know she liked what I did to her! She teased me! She betrayed me when she married that other man! You’ll tell her I’ll find her and she’ll belong to me again! She shouldn’t have moved! She was mine. She should’ve stayed where I could see her! If you ignore me, I’ll find you again, and I’ll do to you what I did to Helen!

The man was done with his high-pitched screeching, but he wasn’t done with his punishment. Tiffany could feel her ribs breaking as he viciously kicked her. Her face hurt with every blow the masked figure gave her. She closed her eyes and waited for death. Just when she thought she couldn’t take another hit, the man vanished.

Tiffany stood up slowly. She whimpered as waves of pain crashed over her. Looking around, she slowly started walking toward Helen's house. It was only two blocks. She tried to tell herself that wasn’t too far, but with each step she took, a new wave of pain racked her entire being. Please, Jesus, help me. She whimpered as she took one step after another.

Tiffany was shaking in pain when she finally made it to Helen's house. She paused and looked around her. She knew he was watching. Slowly Tiffany made her way up the stairs and to the front door. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she pressed the doorbell. When the door opened, she looked up. There standing in the doorway wasn’t Helen or Logan, but Toby.

Chapter One

Toby Johnson looked out of his office window over the city. He’d always thought he loved living there with its bright lights and night life. Lately though, his heart had been restless. He’d promised his best friend, Logan, a visit. It had been almost three months since he’d seen Logan and his wife, Helen. They’d come to New York City on business after Helen had graduated from college, but he hadn’t gone to see them. He’d talked to Logan on the phone many times, but it wasn’t the same as seeing the man he considered his best friend. He prayed for Logan and his wife often asking God to help the police find the man who threatened Helen’s safety. A knock on his door drew his attention.

Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but a Mother Day is on the phone for you. His secretary informed him with a concerned look.

Logan’s mother was on the phone? That didn’t make sense. Send it in please.

His secretary nodded and closed the door softly behind her. His phone rang, and he picked it up. Mother Day? he questioned.

Toby, it’s Logan and Helen. They were just taken to the hospital. Ester and I are on our way now. Helen’s rapist attacked her at their house. We don’t know all of the details, but I knew you would want a call. Elaina Day spoke frantically into the phone. Toby could tell she was crying.

I’m on my way, Toby said without hesitation.

Toby made sure that Mother Day had his cell number and asked her to keep him posted, before he hung up. He buzzed his secretary and asked her to clear his schedule for at least two days for a family emergency. Toby sat down at his desk to pray. He knew before anything else, he needed to talk to his Savior. Bowing his head, Toby prayed for Helen and Logan to be safe and ok. He asked God to calm Ester and Elaina’s hearts as they went to find out what had happened to their children. Toby asked that God would also prepare his heart for this journey. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the pained expression of a beautiful young lady. They’d only just met, but a tragedy had put them together for a few hours. He knew he should’ve gone back before now but was afraid. Toby didn’t know why, but the feelings she evoked in him scared him. He thought about the sacrifices that God had asked of Helen and Logan. Maybe that is why he stayed away. Taking a deep breath, he sighed. It was going to be a long drive. He knew it was time to open up his heart to what God had for him.

*****

Tiffany stood in the hospital lab. She loved working there. It was busy often, but Tiffany loved it. She was getting ready to spin blood down when the names on the labels drew her attention. Jody! She said loudly. Turning around with the tubes in her hand, she waited for Jody to get to her. She handed them to her.

Jody looked at the tubes. Helen and Logan? she questioned.

I don’t know what’s happening. Jody, this is an ambulance draw. She pointed to the code on the label.

Jody looked around. There were only four of them there in the lab at that moment. It was slow, but that could change. She wanted to find out what was going on. She looked at Tiffany. I think we should pray. Jody put the tubes in the centrifuge, closed the lid, and pressed the button for it to spin.

Tiffany was leading the way to one of the lab offices, when she saw a detective at the lab door. Her heart skipped a beat, and Tiffany realized what could have happened. She knew they wouldn’t have a chance to pray in private. The person ringing the lab buzzer was Detective Benion. Tiffany started to panic as flashes of a day four months ago started emerging. She watched Jody open the door. When the female detective made her way toward her, Tiffany instinctively drew back.

Hello, Tiffany. Detective Benion greeted. The officer observed Tiffany’s posture. She understood the fear this girl had been living with. I’ve asked that you and Jody be able to accompany me up to the ER. Is that going to be ok?

Logan and Helen, are they ok? Tiffany asked.

They’re going to be just fine. They both need a little bit of care from your ER doctors, but they’ll be all right. The detective assured her.

Tiffany needed a moment to calm and prepare herself. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but she was suddenly overwhelmed with all the possibilities running through her mind. The blood that Jody had put in the centrifuge was now stopping. Tiffany gestured toward the machine. Can I just take care of this blood quick?

Jody looked at the tests ordered on the samples. They were all basic. Glancing at the detective knowingly, she said, It should only take us a few minutes to get these running. Thanks for waiting.

Tiffany had Helen’s blood. The first test was a pregnancy. She set the kit up and put the required drops of serum in. She looked at the result in surprise. As soon as Helen’s serum hit the window, it showed a plus sign. Glancing at Jody, Tiffany waved her over.

Jody looked at the test and smiled as she spoke to Tiffany. It appears that Helen is going to have a baby.

The two worked together running the tubes on the required machines. Tiffany was getting more nervous as the work was coming to an end. She looked at Jody as she finished up the last of the specimens.

Jody hit the enter button on her keyboard. All of the tests were done and resulted out. She knew it was time for them to talk to the detective. Looking at Tiffany, she asked, Are you ready?

Tiffany wasn’t sure if she was or not. However, she knew she had very little choice. Her safety was tied to Helen’s. If she wasn’t safe, she needed to know. I guess I have to be. Tiffany said softly.

Detective Benion watched the two women walk up to her. She turned and led the way out of the lab as she spoke, I’ve asked for a place we can talk in private before we go and check on Logan and Helen. She opened the door to a small office, and they all walked in.

Jody was the first to speak once they were all settled in chairs. What’s going on?

The man’s name was Lyle Stevens. He was the one who hurt Helen and assaulted you, Tiffany.

Tiffany looked up at the detective. You said ‘was.' What does that mean?

The detective explained everything to them. Logan had left the house to make a quick store run this morning. Lyle was watching and waiting for his chance to get to Helen. He made his move when he saw she had been left alone. He was unaware that Logan was going to be fast. Logan came back in time to free Helen before she was hurt badly. From what I saw, she got away with some facial bruising, but Logan has suffered a stab wound. Lyle was charging at Logan again when I shot him. Tiffany, the man that assaulted you is dead. He’ll never be able to hurt you again.

Tiffany didn’t know what to do with what she was being told. She’d lived the last four months in fear. Before she, Jody, and Helen had graduated, they’d even had an undercover officer with them on campus. After graduation, she and Jody had always made it a point of safety to practiced the buddy system. It’s over. Tiffany was afraid to whisper the words for fear they would be found untrue.

Jody had another question for Detective Benion. Have you seen Logan and Helen since they’ve come in?

No. I needed to let the doctors take care of them while I came and talked to both of you. Your lives have been turned upside down too. I thought it would be best if I told you what happened sooner rather than later. She explained.

Tiffany was shaken. The beating she’d endured at that man’s hands was the most pain she’d ever felt in her life. For her, that was saying a lot, Where’s his body?

Jody looked at Tiffany like she’d lost her mind. What?

His body, where is it? Tiffany repeated her question.

Detective Benion knew Tiffany was having a hard time processing all she had been told. The detective could see that closure for the young woman was necessary for her to move on with her life. She would do whatever would be needed for that to happen. It’s still in the ER.

Tiffany wanted so badly to believe that the monster was dead. When she closed her eyes, she could almost remember the pain he’d inflicted on her. She could still see the hate in his eyes. I want to see him.

Jody spoke up. Tiffany, are you sure you want to do that to yourself?

I need to see that he can’t hurt me again, Tiffany said firmly. She wasn’t going to back down on this. She needed to believe this nightmare was over.

Detective Benion looked at Tiffany. She stood and gestured for the two to follow her. Opening the door, the detective led the way to the ER. She could hear Tiffany and Jody’s soft footsteps behind her. She walked into the room the body was in.

Tiffany followed the detective into the room. She saw the body bag and hesitated. Tiffany knew she needed to do this. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the bed. She looked up at the officer and nodded. As the zipper was pulled down and the bag was pulled aside, Tiffany looked at the face of the man who had brutally beaten her. He’d worn a mask the day he’d assaulted her. She didn’t recognize his face. Can I see his hands? she asked.

Detective Benion heard the request. She knew that she needed to help Tiffany with this. She pulled the zipper down more and then pulled the bag aside. The detective pulled out both hands and placed them on top of the bag. Take your time, Tiffany. Whatever you need to do to understand that this man won’t hurt you again, you can do. She whispered to the young woman.

Tiffany looked at the hands. She bent down and sniffed. A tear rolled down her cheek. The foul smell of his cigars reached her nostrils, and Tiffany knew that this was the man. She may not be able to see his eyes, but she would never forget the smell of his fists as they’d punched her face. It’s over. She said. She looked up at the detective and Jody. Can I have just a moment?

Jody was concerned. Tiff, are you sure?

Tiffany smiled through the tears. Just a moment is all I need.

Jody looked at her friend. Ok. Don’t stay too long.

Tiffany sat down and looked at the body. She thought about the pain this man had put her through. His soul was no longer there on the earth. She wondered about him. Did he have a family? She knew the chances of him being in Jesus’s arms right now were slim to none. A part of her felt compassion. She’d listened to Pastor Jeff and Jen on podcast telling their story. Their child had been killed by a man before she’d even taken her first breath. Jen had told the congregation that to get past it, she had had to find forgiveness in her heart for the man that had hurt her and taken the life of her unborn child. It had been four months since she’d heard that sermon, but she’d worked on forgiveness every day since then. Thinking of her childhood, Tiffany had also understood that she needed to learn to forgive her parents too. Closing her eyes, Tiffany said a prayer of thanks; not for the death of a man that had hurt her, but for the fact that she could sit there and say she had indeed forgiven him. Tiffany gave thanks for a God that had taught her that she was loved in all things, even the ones that were harder to deal with. Tiffany rose from the chair. She walked over to the man and gently picked up his hands placing them back in the bag. Tiffany pulled the sides together and zipped it back up. When she was done, Tiffany turned and left the room.

*****

Toby had been praying the entire drive. He’d gotten a call while on the road telling him that Helen and Logan were going to be okay. Toby thanked God that everyone was fine and that Helen’s rapist was no longer a threat to Helen or Tiffany. He remembered Tiffany showing up at the doorstep of Helen and Logan’s house. She’d had blood dripping from the side of her mouth. Her face was so bruised. The look in her eyes was so pained and afraid. Toby remembered how she had trembled when he’d scooped her up off the floor to put her on the couch, until EMS had gotten to the house. When the time came for her to go to the hospital, it had been him in the ambulance with her. He’d held her hand and prayed. She’d squeezed his hand tightly as they worked on her. When the staff at the hospital had tried to send him to the waiting room, Tiffany had pleaded that he be able to stay. Her look of fear had cut to the very core of his being.

Toby pulled into the hospital and cracked his windows. He got out and walked toward the entrance. He’d been told that the couple wouldn’t be released until later that evening, after a bit of observation, so he knew they were still there. As he neared, he saw a young lady in scrubs sitting on a bench outside. Her knees were drawn against her chest, and her chin rested on them. He walked over and stood beside the bench. Hello, Tiffany. He said softly and then sat down.

Tiffany didn’t even need to look at the person talking to her. She knew it was Toby. When he sat down, she leaned into his shoulder. It was funny how it worked between them. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d spent any time with him, but she’d felt like they’d known each other forever. She didn’t resist when he pulled her closer, "I missed you, Toby. It’s weird, isn’t it? We barely know each other, but I missed you these last